Cabin camping near Scarsdale, New York offers year-round options within the Hudson Valley region, which ranges from sea level to elevations around 1,000 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer typically ranges from 65-85°F with moderate humidity. The area features a mix of forests, lakes, and coastal areas with both rustic and modern cabin accommodations within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Harriman State Park, visitors can explore paths suitable for various skill levels. "Great hiking for all abilities. Free camping at stone shelters. Beautiful lakes all over the place," according to one camper who visits regularly. The park offers trails that loop around lakes and connect to various camping areas.
Water activities: Several cabin locations provide lake access for swimming and boating during summer months. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," notes a visitor about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. Some locations restrict swimming to designated areas with lifeguards present.
Seasonal events: During fall, cabins near Croton Point Park offer proximity to Halloween festivities. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!" reports one autumn visitor.
What campers like
Affordability: Some cabin options provide cost-effective alternatives to hotels while still offering basic comforts. "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again as the bridge workers have moved out," explains a camper at Croton Point Park.
Meal services: Campers appreciate when cabin camping includes food options. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio." The meal plan receives high marks from multiple visitors.
Waterfront locations: Cabins with water views rank highest in camper satisfaction. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," says a visitor to Croton Point Park. Multiple sites offer water access for fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the view.
What you should know
Reservations required: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. For Kettletown State Park, "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway... It's quiet, clean, and exactly what we were looking for in a weekend." Reservations can fill up 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Varied amenities: Cabin facilities range from minimal to fully equipped. At Heckscher State Park, one visitor notes the cottages feature "Modern facility with full kitchen accessories (coffee maker, plates, wine opener, can opener, silverware, pots, pans, cooking utensils, toaster, oven), sponge/dish liquid. Microwave." Contrast this with more rustic options at other parks.
Transportation considerations: Some cabin locations have limited public transportation access. A Harriman visitor notes, "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)." Many parks require personal vehicles for access or to reach nearby attractions.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy observing local animals during cabin stays. Croton Point Park offers opportunities as "there are lots of bunnies!" according to one review. Other parks report deer, turtles, and beaver sightings that families can safely observe.
Playground access: Several cabin locations include play areas for children. "Site does not have Wi-Fi and street address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps... but the site is beautiful with plenty to do in the area, especially outdoors," notes a Croton Point visitor about the playground facilities near their camping area.
First-time options: Camp Glen Gray offers well-maintained cabins ideal for first-time cabin campers with children. "Very nice forest! The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here," reports a family with young children.
Tips from RVers
Campsite layout: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, RVers appreciate the site design. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large." Water and electric hookups plus a dump station make this convenient for RVs.
Proximity to attractions: Many cabin and RV sites offer easy access to major attractions. "Close enough to NYC area for comfortable and scenic drive. Great setting for a spontaneous camping trip," notes a camper at West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area, highlighting the ability to combine outdoor experiences with day trips to urban areas.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season cabin stays can offer better availability and rates. "We had a pick up truck w/ tinted windows follow me in the park for quite a while which was rather creepy and I couldn't shake them. When I biked into the campground itself, the pick up truck couldn't get past the check in area," notes a shoulder-season camper at Heckscher, explaining the security measures in place during less busy periods.
